7 Triggers for Seizures

Seizures are episodes that are recognizable by symptoms such as violent shaking and loss of control. The episode happens when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity triggered by chemical changes in the brain. These seizures may range in severity from mild to severe with mild seizures being a sign of a specific medical problem and severe seizures being epileptic in nature.

Symptoms for seizures vary in duration and can last anywhere from a few seconds to about fifteen minutes per episode. Some seizures can happen with warning signs preceding the actual seizure such as a sudden feeling of anxiety or fear, nausea, dizziness or some kind of changes in visions. Certain other symptoms can indicate a seizure in progress and can include uncontrollable muscle spasms, frothing at the mouth, rapid eye movements, and making unusual grunting noises among others.

For people who experience frequent episodes of seizures, certain triggers can help identify their condition. For instance, some individuals may notice their seizures occurring during certain times or may be able to identify triggers that bother them most. Here is a look at seven of the most common seizure triggers.

1. Sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation is seen as a possible trigger for seizures. In many cases, seizures are highly sensitive to sleep patterns. Since seizures are brought on by an increase in electrical activity in the brain, sleep patterns that are disturbed seem to have an inherent relationship with the onset of seizures. For some people this change in brain activity may suddenly happen during deep sleep and the entire episode may happen while the individual is asleep. It effects may be felt as daytime fatigue and concentration problems without ever knowing why.

Others may experience a seizure when falling asleep or when waking up. At the same time, seizures at night can not only wake some people up but also disrupt their normal sleep wake cycle. Being chronically sleep deprived can also raise the potential for experiencing daytime seizures as well.